With 56 goals scored, Greater Lowell is the top-scoring girls’ soccer team in Division 3 and one of the most prolific attacking sides across Massachusetts.
The Gryphons jumped out to a 9-0-0 start to the season before finally succumbing to Tyngsborough last week. That said, Greater Lowell head coach Brian Martin fully expects his team bounce back.
“We knew at some point the competition would probably be a hurdle,” Martin said. “Our defense and goalie haven’t been tested that much. Sometimes, with certain high school teams, they face adversity and they crumble. But we were all back at practice the next day, and our team culture is to work hard. They’ve already forgotten about Tyngsborough, and that’s the mark of a good team.”
Martin has had several standout performers this season, but singles out the leadership of seniors Paityn Lemay and Zaynab Bushnaq, as well as Samara Miranda.
“Paityn and Zaynab are two of our most vocal players, and they’re very physically tough,” Martin said. “Most teams would take the lead from them. Samara is a player who always goes in for challenges, is always moving fast, and is always positive. So, we have leaders who are vocal, and leaders who are the calm through the storm.”
Meanwhile, Talia Lowney (17 goals, two assists) and Kailyn Oliveira (12 goals, four assists) are among the top point leaders in Division 3. The Gryphons use both players in the attack and are benefiting from their speed and technical ability, with Lowney on the left and Oliveira on the right.
“Both of them have grown into their roles on varsity and are playing with a bigger mentality,” Martin said. “The technical ability and fearlessness helps them have the courage to go against bigger players.
“Talia can see two or three moves ahead and sets up defenders with his first and second touches. Kailyn is more free-flowing. She improvises as she goes.”
The Gryphons reached the state tournament last year and hope to return this season, though Martin said he expects the team to be the first seed heading into the state vocational tournament.
“We expect to be in the state championship game in the vocational tournament,” Martin said. “In states, if we can win a game, I’d consider that a success.”
Natick staying sharp
Reigning Division 1 state champions Natick are inside one of the toughest divisions in recent memory – but currently sit second in the Bay State Conference Carey Division behind Framingham at 5-3-2. Head coach David Joseph credits his team for playing tight games, and believe it will pay off in the long run.
“I keep trying to tell the players that the division is wide open,” Joseph said. “It seems every game is close this year, and there’s a lot of parity. But that keeps us honest as well. The record doesn’t matter, because every team is going to come out and compete and give us a close game.
“I’m feeling good about the back half of the season. Playing these competitive games is valuable. There aren’t going to be any more blowouts here. Every team is going to fight us tooth and nail.”
The Redhawks are 4-1-1 in their last six games and are benefiting from a deep, senior-laden team. Captain Luca Tavilla has been a key contributor, having played as a defensive midfielder, holding midfielder, attacking playmaker and forward.
“He hasn’t complained a second,” Joseph said. “He’s gone out there, and what I love is that when he takes on a new position, he’s telling the next guy who’s taking his old place what to look for in that position.”
Tavilla has scored three goals and also has four assists. Leading the Redhawks in scoring is Cole Boggis, with seven goals and six assists. Jackson McGrath has five goals – including one hat-trick – to go with two assists.
“Jackson has really stood out,” Joseph said. “He’s doing a terrific job of being in the right place at the right time.”
